East Cascades Bird Alliance

Birding Basics, session 2: Exploring Hatfield Ponds and using Merlin Bird ID
2023-02-25 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
This is the second in a series of six free field experiences, held monthly, to be offered for new birders, birders who are new to Central Oregon, or others who would like a “refresher course” in birding. Each will be a two-hour opportunity to learn about a variety of Central Oregon birding locations, topics, skills, and resources.
The focus of this session will be exploring Hatfield Ponds and using the Merlin Bird ID app to help with identifying and understanding the birds we see. Hatfield Ponds is one of the best birding hotspots in Bend for waterfowl, meadow birds, and even raptors. If you have time, prior to the class, familiarize yourself with the Merlin Bird ID phone app. Gordon Wetzel will lead the class.
We’ll meet at Hatfield Ponds, 22395 McGrath Road, across from the Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Be prepared to walk two or three miles on level ground, and dress appropriately for winter weather. Bring binoculars and a scope with a tripod if you have one. Loaner binoculars will be available. Download the Merlin Bird ID app and ring your smart phone, if you have one. Optional items are paper/pen for notes, camera, and water.
All ages are welcome; the group will be limited to the first 20 participants who enroll here. Please leave your dog at home.
Parking is available at the entrance to the ponds.
Sign up here. The link will take you to Member Planet to enroll.
If you have questions, e-mail Gordon Wetzel, gordonwetzel@gmail.com, or Lynda Paznokas, Lpaz@bendnet.com.

Refuge Trees: Homestead Era Oases at Malheur NWR
2023-02-06 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
The High Desert Museum will offer a Natural History Pub presentation at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., in Bend.
Old stands of largely cottonwood trees grow within Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Oregon. Although these trees are not native to the region, many of the over 340 species of birds that visit Malheur annually depend on these trees to nest, feed, and rest. Join Janelle Wicks, Director of the Friends of Malheur NWR, to learn about the group’s work to assess the historical and ecological value for the Refuge’s wildlife and the work being done to ensure a future that supports a wildlife oasis in the high desert.
Attendance is free and open to the public, but the museum requests those interested to register for the event.

Birding Basics, session 1: Water Birds of Mirror Pond
2023-01-29 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Harmon Park, 1100 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend
This is the first in a series of six free field experiences, held monthly, to be offered for new birders, birders who are new to Central Oregon, or others who would like a “refresher course” in birding. Each will be a two-hour opportunity to learn about a variety of Central Oregon birding locations, topics, skills, and resources.
The focus of this session will be water bird identification and using field optics. The Deschutes River in winter has many beautiful water birds, in additions to summer’s standard Mallards and Canada geese. We may see Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Wigeon, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Ducks and, perhaps, a Hooded Merganser or even a Wood Duck.
Be prepared to walk one or two miles on level ground, possibly snow and ice covered. Dress appropriately with gloves and hat; hand-warmers and ice-buds on boots are helpful. Bring binoculars and a scope with a tripod if you have one. Loaner binoculars will be available.
All ages are welcome; the group will be limited to the first 20 participants who enroll here. Please leave your dog at home.
Street parking is available; or park at Drake Park and walk over the footbridge to Harmon Park.

Redmond Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-28 07:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
If you would like be a part of the Redmond CBC, please contact Mike Golden at gardenbug99@bendbroadband.com or 541-420-5841, who will post routes, teams and meeting places. Some routes are shorter and take less time than others. We can adapt if you would like to do half days or less than a full day.

Madras Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-21
Would you like to take part in the Madras CBC? Contact Annette Lange Hildebrand at lange69annette@gmail.com
for more information.

John Day Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-17 07:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Birders joining the John Day CBC will meet at the Outpost Restaurant before 7 AM for assignments (earlier if you want breakfast). The compilation will be at 1188 Brewery starting at 5 PM. For information, contact Tom Winters at 541-542-2006, 541-620-2922, or at tjwinters1951@gmail.com.

Bend Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-17 07:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Bend Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, December 17th. There are a few openings available for fully vaccinated and boosted individuals. Most of the openings are to join groups that will be doing a lot of walking. The weather for the count is likely to be in the low to mid 30s with possible snow showers.
If you are interested, please email Tom Crabtree at tc@empnet.com, indicating your vaccine status, whether you would be looking for a driving or walking route, whether you want a full day (7am to 5pm) or a half day, and your birding experience level.
